Belton council opposes water bills

BELTON - Town council members voted unanimously Tuesday to oppose legislation introduced by state Rep. Don Bowen regarding water and sewer rates charged by municipalities.

Bowen has been involved in a dispute with the city of Anderson over water rates charged to customers outside city limits. He has filed three bills that could open the door to changes in how water districts are defined.

The Anderson City Council recently adopted a resolution opposing the bills.

Town administrator David Watson read the resolution that the Belton council adopted. Watson said the legislation would remove the cities' ability to regulate rates. "It (the bills) would have a bad effect on towns," said Mayor Rufus Callaham.